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Cho Oyu & Shisha Pangma

A duplicate – purely out of reason!

Honestly, how often in life do we get to go to Tibet? How often in life do we invest so much money and take seven to eight weeks of continuous vacation? Without family or a partner. How often in life do we take something so seriously, prepare so intensely, train so hard, and spend so much money on the best equipment? Exactly – most of us don’t do that very often.

It’s the fulfillment of a lifelong dream. And that justifies everything said before. However, on the other hand, when we embark on a several-hour journey for a ski or climbing tour, we will try to add a second tour to make it worthwhile. To double the value of the experience. Very rational. What are the chances of reaching an eight-thousander summit on the first attempt? By now, with these two mountains, the chances are quite high. Nevertheless, there remains the risk of having to return home without reaching the summit. And that hurts. In the end, we grow from it, but at the moment, it just hurts. So why not double the chances of reaching the summit? These two mountains, Cho Oyu at 8201m and Shisha Pangma at 8027m, are ideal for this.

The Furtenbach Adventures Cho Oyu & Shisha Pangma Expedition is divided into two teams. Simultaneously, a base camp and high camps are set up at each mountain, and the route is prepared. Once everything is in place, there will be a summit attempt simultaneously on both mountains. After this attempt, each participant can decide either to transfer to the base camp of the other mountain – having a few relaxing days at a lower altitude to recharge – or stay on their mountain for a second attempt if they did not reach the summit on the first try. At the second mountain, there is a prepared route and a set-up chain of high camps. Ideally, if one is healthy and fit, the conditions and weather cooperate, one can take another eight-thousander in a very short time and complete the double. Very rational! But coming back with two eight-thousander summits in the bag is not only rational – it makes one almost invincible…

Of course, it is also possible to book only one of the two mountains. The individual price for Cho Oyu or Shisha Pangma with the scope of services (corresponding to only one mountain) and the schedule as in the double expedition is listed below. The return journey can either be done with the double expedition, which means having enough time for another summit attempt, or as part of the exchange of the two groups on the respective other mountain. For an additional fee, an individual return journey can also be organized at any time.

Cho Oyu Flash™ Expedition (in only 22 days)

Cho Oyu Classic Expedition

Shisha Pangma Expedition

 

Double expedition currently on request – implementation of double expedition subject to Chinese government regulations

Adventure Factor courageous
Experience / Emotion lifechanging
Fitness / Struggle challenging
Risk low objective hazards
Comfort expedition style

Highlights:

  • Double Expedition
  • Objectively safe and lighter eight-thousanders
  • 1 Sherpa per participant
  • IFMGA/AMGA lead guide
  • Oxygen included

Trip dates:

Booking code:-
Minimum members:-
Price per person: 0

The exact schedule depends on weather and snow conditions as well as on the progress of the logistics and the group on the mountain. In addition, keep in mind that we are in a very remote and politically sensitive area where our freedom of movement may be limited at any time due to governmental or environmental restrictions.

The following schedule is planned:

Day 1-11: Arrival, Lahsa, acclimatization and ascent to the basecamp

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu or meeting point at the hotel in Kathmandu. Everyone will be picked up from the airport and taken to the hotel, whether the arrival was individual or with the group. And then everything starts quite comfortably… check-in, getting to know each other and savoring the growing excitement.

Day 2: Free time in Kathmandu. Those who haven’t experienced it yet will love it. Relax, shop in Thamel, enjoy cultural programs, or simply soak in the atmosphere. Each person can do as they please.

Day 3: Flight to Lhasa. We bid farewell to Nepal for now and fly to Lhasa, the highest capital in the world. The centrally located hotel provides a good starting point to explore the city and experience Tibetan air for the first time.

Day 4: Free time. Today also allows ample time to admire the former residence of the Dalai Lama and the numerous monasteries and temples in the city, some of which have been declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Or, observe the daily life of the Tibetans while sipping a bowl of butter tea.

Day 5: Journey to Shigatse.

Day 6: Journey to Tingri at 4300m. The accommodation is simple again, but the food remains excellent! From here, you can already see Cho Oyu!

Day 7: Rest day for acclimatization. There are beautiful 5,000m-high hills to explore here as well. You’ll be amazed by the herds of sheep with their shepherds, as it is even more barren here.

Day 8: Arrival at the base camp. After a long journey for acclimatization purposes, we finally reach the Cho Oyu base camp at 4,900m today.

Day 9: Rest day. Another rest day for acclimatization and organizing the loads for the yaks.

Day 10: Departure to the intermediate camp at 5400m.

Day 11: Advanced base camp at 5,650m. We reach the advanced base camp at 5,650m. The view of the mountain that we are already privileged to enjoy here is magnificent!

Day 12-35: Summit days on Cho Oyu

There will be enough time to set up the route and the high camps and to wait for good weather and suitable snow conditions for a safe ascent to the summit.

The planned camps at Cho Oyu are as follows:

  • Camp 1 – 6.400m
  • Camp 2 – 7.000m
  • Camp 3 – 7.350m

Days 36-56: Summit days on Shishapangma

Day 36: Return to the base camp where the jeeps await us.

Day 37: Meeting point and rest day in the lower-lying Nyalam (3750m) for recovery.

Day 38: Journey to the other camp.

Day 39: Hike to the advanced base camp.

Day 40-52: Summit attempt on Shishapangma.

Day 53: Return to the base camp.

Day 54: Journey to Nyalam.

Day 55: Journey to Kathmandu via Zangmu.

Day 56: Kathmandu. Take a breath… Whatever has happened in the last 7 weeks, we will rejoice in good food, a cold beer, and a comfortable bed.

check_circle_outline  What the price includes:

  • Organisation of the expedition
  • IFMGA/AMGA lead guide
  • 4 nights hotel in Kathmandu in a single room
  • All transfers in Nepal and Tibet (jeep / private shuttle)
  • Fullboard during whole expedition (in Kathmandu only breakfast)
  • All drinks included in Basecamp
  • Double occupancy rooms/tents during journey to the mountain
  • Porter / Yak to basecamp and back (30kg personal gear / member) for both mountains
  • 1 tent each member in each basecamp
  • 1 tent each 2 members for approach and high camps
  • mat for approach and basecamp
  • High camp equipment (tents, stove, gas, dishes, food)
  • Fixed ropes, fixing material
  • 1 Sherpa each member
  • Gear, Insurance and helicopter rescue for all staff members
  • Medical emergency oxygen
  • Emergency medicine, pulseoxymeter
  • Kitchen staff
  • Comfortable, heated Dome tent in basecamp, shower tent
  • Satellite communication and WIFI for a fee and depending on availability
  • Oxygen
  • Radios
  • All fees and permits
  • weather forecast
  • organization and cost for the Tibetan visa
  • Safety and liability of an EU based tour operator
  • O2 Pack (newest oxygen system)

help_outline Optional:

  • Personal Sherpa: € 7.000

highlight_off  What the price does not include:

  • International Airfare to Kathmandu
  • Lunch and dinnerin Kathmandu
  • personal insurance
  • Visa for Nepal
  • Personal medicine
  • Personal climbing sherpa (optional)
  • Oxygen (optional)
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Tips
  • Summit bonus for climbing Sherpas
  • Personal climbing gear
  • Sleeping bag
  • High camp mat
  • Fees for satellite communication
  • Helicopter flight basecamp – Kathmandu (optional)

info  General

Tour operator for this trip: Furtenbach Adventures.

An expedition to high altitudes still presents an enormous challenge despite modern equipment and tactics. Besides technical and fitness requirements, the high altitude still poses the largest hurdle. That is why we place great emphasis on prudent, slow acclimatization, and recommend our eight thousander expedition participants the possibility of pre-acclimatization in a high altitude tent at home (see also FAQ).

Weather and conditions on the mountain can lead to program or route changes. Participation in the expedition lies in your own individual responsibility. Furtenbach Adventures assumes no liability for accidents, damages or loss of materials.

If you are not sure that taking part in an expedition like this is the right thing for you, feel free to contact us on Tel +43 512 204134 or e-mail [email protected] for a personal consultation.

This package in general is not suitable for persons with reduced mobility.

language   Entry Requirements

EU or Swiss citizens:

Nepal:
When entering the country, you need a passport with a validity of at least 6 more months. You can get a visa on arrival directly at the airport or in advance directly at your embassy. We recommend to get a “multiple entry” visa for 90 days.

Get further information directly on the official website: https://www.immigration.gov.np/page/tourist-visa

China:
Once you arrived in Kathmandu, we’ll apply for a group visa for Tibet. Necessary documents will be collected by Furtenbach Adventures in advance. The application process might take some days. Costs for the Chinese visa are included in the trip price.

Information about recommended vaccines and health regulations: http://www.who.int/ith/en/

Travelers must be able to prove their return or onward ticket when entering the country.

More detailed information regarding entry, visa and health requirements for this travel destination will be provided once you’ve communicated your nationality.

https   Insurance possibilities

We strongly recommend taking out a travel insurance (including trip cancellation, interruption, medical and luggage insurance) For this journey, the Global Rescue Signature Travel Insurance is suitable. The price of the insurance depends on the trip and the personal data of the traveller. We happily make you an offer after booking or upon request.

To cover search and rescue costs in the mountains, we ask our expedition participants to take out a “medical only”-membership at Global Rescue. This membership can be concluded here before departure: https://ss.globalrescue.com/partner/furtenbach/. Further information are provided after your booking.

work  Equipment

Unless specified otherwise in the detailed program, all high camp equipment will be provided by us. You need to bring your own personal equipment such as down clothing, expedition shoes, an isolated sleeping mat and a sleeping bag with a comfort range of – 20 to -25 degrees Celsius for the high camp. Following your booking we will send you a detailed equipment list. We will be happy to advise you personally during the selection and purchase of required equipment. With years of expedition experience, we know what has proved its worth and what not.

insert_chart_outlined   Difficulty / Technique

The ascent always lies in the participants personal responsibility, while led by the mountain guide and expedition leader. Participants must be able to move safely and independently in mixed terrain (rock, snow, ice) and – if required – independently build rope teams under the guidance of the mountain guide. Cooperation, camaraderie and support on the mountain increases the chances of success for all. The guide is there to provide guidance for the whole group, the possibilities for him to respond to individual needs is limited. It is imperative that participants adhere to the instructions and decisions made by the mountain guide. Regardless, each participant must know their own physical limits, and be able to make a timely decision to turn back.

For expeditions offered by us, unless otherwise specified in the detailed program, the following is required of participants: independent getting on and off the fixed ropes on cliffs, snow, ice and firn snow slopes, as well as the independent use of crampons and ice axes in mixed terrain. On climbing passages, as well as very dangerous and exposed places, fixed ropes are attached by mountain guides and by the Sherpa team.

perm_identity   Physical fitness

A key success factor in expeditions is being in good shape. Train in the months before the expedition! Several hour climbs with a backpack and around 1000 meters per day should not be a problem for you. You have to carry your own personal equipment on the mountain, unless an optional personal Sherpa is booked. The porters are available for the group and set up the high camp and insure the route. We will gladly provide individual advice on how to best prepare yourself mentally and physically for an expedition!

local_hospital  Health

We recommend that each participant undergoes a medical examination prior to the expedition. Good health is a prerequisite for participation. Particularly important is a visit to the dentist because previously unnoticed dental problems can become quite acute due to the sudden change in pressure conditions in higher altitudes.

landscape  Experience

We are very familiar with the charm and attraction of an eight-thousander! However, we want to make certain that you can ascend safely, come back alive, and be able to enjoy the expedition while on it and not afterwards. Therefore, in order to participate in our eight-thousander expeditions, you must already have collected some experience at high altitudes and mountaineering. When booking, please let us know which heights you have already reached and which high mountains you have climbed. If you are a newcomer, no problem, we offer a bespoke program aimed to train you for reaching your desired destination.

In order to participate in our seven-and six-thousander expeditions, you should have at least some experience on the four-thousander peaks of the Alps or other mountain ranges. Our offer for newcomers applies here as well, we can train you to become prudent and safe high altitude climbers!

We offer a special introductory weekend for all those who want to learn about – or refresh their knowledge of – all the skills and techniques needed on an expedition. More info here.

payment  Payment

Deposit Payment is made less than eleven months prior to the end of the trip and is a maximum of 20% of the price. The balance must be paid no earlier than 20 days prior to departure. Please find more information regarding the payment in our GTC.

directions_run  Right of withdrawal

The traveller has the right to withdraw from the travel contract at any time by paying the according cancellation fee stated in the General Terms of Conditions of Furtenbach Adventures GmbH.

For expeditions to 7000 and 8000 meter peaks the following fees apply for cancellations on the part of the client prior to travel: until 3 months prior to departure 50%, within 3 months prior departure 100%.

The tour operator will be released from the contract if the specified minimum number of participants is not achieved and if the customer has been notified about the cancellation in writing within the following periods: until 20 days prior to departure.